COVID-19 update

As of March 20, all Strathcona County in-person services are closed to the public; however phone and email support continue to be available. View the latest facility openings and closures. Strathcona County has taken measures to support Alberta Health’s priority to limit larger social gatherings in our community. Mental health supports available. For more information, visit strathcona.ca/covid19

Ornamental invasive plants

Many ornamental invasive plants can be found in your flower beds or garden. These flowers are invasive plants because they spread rapidly, often escaping garden boundaries. They can outgrow native species, resulting in an impact on natural environments. They were added to the noxious and prohibited noxious weed lists under the Alberta Weed Control Act in 2010.

Common ornamental noxious weeds:

Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis)

Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)

Yellow Clematis (Clematis tangutica)

Common Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata)

Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

Common ornamental prohibited noxious weeds:

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Salt Cedar (Tamarix spp.)

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)

Use good gardening solutions

Learn the characteristics and spreading habits of the plants you wish to grow

Avoid all plants with known invasive behaviours (even if they are not listed on the Weed Control Act) such as goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria)

Avoid wildflower mixes

Wildflower mixes often contain invasive plant species that spread rapidly and are not from the local area. Check the label for the scientific names to know exactly what you are planting in your garden and flower beds and avoid those that don't list species.

If you would like to plant wildflowers, it is best to research native wildflower species that are common to your area and plant individual flowers or purchase seed mixes from local reputable growers.

I bought the plant at a greenhouse. Do I still have to remove it?

Yes, you will have to remove the plant. Some ornamental noxious weeds were only listed on the Alberta Weed Control Act in 2010. Some greenhouses are unaware that these plants are controlled by the Alberta Weed Control Act and continue to sell them to customers.

Please contact Transportation and Agriculture Services to let us know where you purchased the plant. Our inspectors can educate the retailer and their staff.